CBU researches inclusion in curling during Curling Canada Trials event in Halifax
From the Springboard Content Lab
A research team from Springboard member Cape Breton University attended the Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials in Halifax to evaluate the social impact of events designed to increase inclusion in the sport.
Dr. Simon Barrick and his team of student researchers spent a week in November collecting on-the-ground data during the Curling Trial’s “Festival of Rings” and “Curling Day in Nova Scotia” events. They will use the data to analyze whether these outreach efforts helped underrepresented communities feel welcome in the game to the game.
Dr. Barrick notes that while curling is often viewed as a welcoming pastime, research shows that many individuals do not always see themselves reflected in the sport due to barriers such as cost, limited facility access and a lack of visible role models. The “Festival of Rings” aims to challenge those barriers.
“Think world-class curling event meets multiculturalism festival meets street party. This is the first time such a festival has been organized during a championship curling event. The central aim is to introduce individuals and communities to curling in a fun, welcoming environment that brings together diverse cultures and community organizations in an expression of just what makes curling so special, community.”
Dr. Simon Barrick, CBU researcher
“The goal of the Festival was to do meaningful outreach to the Halifax communities to understand their rich cultures, dynamics and needs. We wanted to invite those people who have traditionally not been connected to our sport but respecting the longstanding place they already occupy in our city. The Festival was our way to invite people, who may not know curling, by coming to them, building a relationship, and then see if there is interest in the game. It shows newcomers to the sport and to Canada, that they have a place in curling showcasing our commitment to the public through this Festival. Seeing the joy and smiles of everyone here was the most amazing gift to the organizers and myself and the tremendous effort that went into make the event come to life. It made it all worth it.”
Rob Belliveau, Vice-Chair of Community Outreach for the Halifax Montana’s Canadian Curling Trials Host Committee
Measuring the “feeling” of Inclusion
With a reported attendance of more than 109,000 throughout the week of trials in Halifax, counting heads was easy. Measuring the feeling of belonging, however, requires a more sophisticated approach.
“Social impacts surrounding sport events have been understudied, and through this research project, we are trying to better understand what social impacts can be achieved through intentional, collaborative programming,” says Dr. Barrick.
To capture this data, the team used a survey developed in collaboration with the University of Waterloo to go beyond simple attendance numbers.
“It’s one thing to count attendance, but measuring things like the extent to which people feel included can be challenging. We ask participants questions about what they enjoyed and did not enjoy about the event, and what curling leaders need to do in order to welcome them into the sport moving forward.”
Dr. Barrick
Students as experts in the field
The fieldwork was conducted by team of CBU researchers from diverse academic backgrounds, including Nolan Drover, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student taking Sport and Physical Activity Leadership (SPAL) courses and Alexandra Barrett, a student in the Bachelor of Arts, Community Studies (BACS) program. Also conducting research was BACS graduate Ashley Linden who now lives in Halifax and was pleased to apply her academic skills to a community she knows well.
These students were not just collecting surveys; they were integral to the entire scientific process. Dr. Barrick emphasizes that these opportunities allow students to expand on the skills they learn in the classroom and prepare them for exciting future professional opportunities.
Looking forward
As the team begins analyzing the data collected in Halifax, their findings will have implications far beyond the University.
“Research like this needs to be shared widely, especially to the people who can apply key learnings in community settings,” says Dr. Barrick.
The results will be compiled into a final report for partner organizations, including Curling Canada and Nova Scotia Curling, and presented at academic conferences. For the researchers, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the diversity seen in Canada’s streets is eventually reflected on its ice sheets.
“Inclusivity is something I value across all areas of life, so it’s inspiring to see sports communities, like curling, recognize the importance of reflecting the diversity of the people they serve,” says Ashley. “Nova Scotia is a wonderfully diverse province, and our sport spaces should mirror that. When more people can see themselves represented and welcomed, sports become not only more vibrant, but more connected to the communities around them.”
Cape Breton University is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 colleges and universities in the Atlantic provinces. Our mission is to grow the economy through research, commercialization and industry/community partnerships.